The U.S. Senate's recess ends in a week and we need your help to ensure quick passage of a bill that would end shark finning in U.S. waters. The Shark Conservation Act of 2009, introduced by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) on Earth Day, would end shark finning by requiring that sharks be landed whole with their fins still attached to their bodies.

Shark finning is the gruesome practice of slicing the fins off and then throwing the shark overboard to die. The fins are often used to make the Asian delicacy shark fin soup.

Take Action! Tell your Senators to Protect Sharks ​now.

The Senate has a long list of issues to tackle this year and we need you to tell your Senator to put saving sharks is on that list. The Shark Conservation Act already passed the House of Representatives and if it is passed by the Senate, Oceana is confident this bill will be signed by the President and become law!

Along with ending shark finning in U.S. waters, The Shark Conservation Act of 2009 would also allow the U.S. to take action against countries whose shark finning requirements are not consistent with those in the United States. With many shark populations crashing because of commercial fishing practices, now is the time to act to protect these ancient creatures.

You helped Oceana convince the House of Representatives to pass its bill earlier this year, now let's get the Senate to do the same »

For the oceans,
Beth Lowell
Federal Policy Director
Oceana